Integrated Zoning for Aquaculture and Biodiversity using a Spatial Decision-Support Tool

Spatial decision-support tools can guide decision-makers towards knowledge-based spatial planning. Their application for multiple-objective zoning is beneficial for supporting the on-going Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process, in particular in areas of high density of uses like the Adriatic-Ionian region (AIR). In this work, we give contribution to the sustainable development of the aquaculture, as one of the main maritime activities for sustainable Blue Growth in the AIR. Aquaculture expansion should occur alongside the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of sites where aquaculture and its synergic uses can coexist. Planning for these objectives independently from one another has been shown to produce inefficiencies in costs, area, and conflicts across sectors. The objective of this research is to operationalize multi-objective zoning for aquaculture expansion and biodiversity protection (seabed habitats, marine mammals, seabirds and turtles species distribution, nursery and spawning areas of commercially important fish species). The area of analyses is the coastal area of the Emilia Romagna Region (Italian Northern Adriatic Sea). This area is the main producer of mussels in Italy and it is currently intensively crowded by several maritime uses, which are expected to grow over next years resulting in increase of conflicts and pressures on sensitive environments (Natura 2000 sites; Biological Protection zone). The decision support tool Marxan and its advanced version Marxan with Zones were applied to develop planning scenarios. Firstly, we prioritise biodiversity conservation, through Marxan, while minimizing conflicts with other anthropic uses. Secondly, we carry out an aquaculture suitability analysis using a multicriteria evaluation approach based on environmental, biological and socio-economic conditions. Next, we simultaneously prioritize both aquaculture and biodiversity, through Marxan with Zones, while minimizing impacts on seven other industries operating in the Emilia Romagna Region. We discuss an integrated zoning plan that meets targets for multiple objectives, and which adheres to several constraints regarding the location of aquaculture farms offshore in order to both allow the use of bigger technologies for mussel catch and minimize the impacts on coastal environments (pollution impact, visual impact). Our analysis can guide multiple stakeholders and decision-makers towards cost-efficient solutions that are scientifically based, thus contributing to the marine spatial planning process and sustainable growth in the Adriatic-Ionian region

Tools4MSP: an open source software package to support Maritime Spatial Planning

This paper presents the Tools4MSP software package, a Python-based Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) for geospatial analysis in support of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and marine environmental management. The suite was initially developed within the ADRIPLAN data portal, that has been recently upgraded into the Tools4MSP Geoplatform (data.tools4msp.eu), an integrated web platform that supports MSP through the application of different tools, e.g., collaborative geospatial modelling of cumulative effects assessment (CEA) and marine use conflict (MUC) analysis. The package can be used as stand-alone library or as collaborative webtool, providing user-friendly interfaces appropriate to decision-makers, regional authorities, academics and MSP stakeholders. An effective MSP-oriented integrated system of web-based software, users and services is proposed. It includes four components: the "jats:italic"Tools4MSP Geoplatform"/jats:italic" for interoperable and collaborative sharing of geospatial datasets and for MSP-oriented analysis, the "jats:italic"Tools4MSP package as stand-alone library"/jats:italic" for advanced geospatial and statistical analysis, the "jats:italic"desktop applications"/jats:italic" to simplify data curation and the "jats:italic"third party data repositories"/jats:italic" for multidisciplinary and multilevel geospatial datasets integration. The paper presents an application example of the Tools4MSP GeoNode plugin and an example of Tools4MSP stand-alone library for CEA in the Adriatic Sea. The Tools4MSP and the developed software have been released as FOSS under the GPL 3 license and are currently under further development. Document type: Articl

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Open source tools to support Integrated Coastal Management and Maritime Spatial Planning

ABSTRACT This paper describes an open source suite of libraries and tools to support research activities on marine and coastal environment. The suite was initially implemented for the ADRIPLAN portal, an integrated web platform aimed at supporting Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) activities and other activities concerning the managing of marine environment for the Adriatic-Ionian region. The main elements of the implemented solutions are: i) a GeoNode implementation for sharing geospatial datasets and maps; ii) a new python library (RectifiedGrid) that facilitates the work with geographical grid data; iii) a new python library (Tools4MSP) to perform spatial analysis and assessment of human uses, pressures and the potential impact of maritime and coastal activities on the environment; iv) a new GeoNode plugin (called GeoNode-Tools4MSP) that provides interactive widgets to set up the analyses and to visualize and explore the results. The Tools4MSP and the developed software have been released as FOSS under the GPL3 license and are currently under further development